Data roaming is one of the ways to get connected while exploring New Zealand but the fees are rather costly. However, there are still many other options to stay online for tourists. Now let us explore all about data roaming in New Zealand, what it is, how it works, how much it costs, and the best alternatives available.
In this article
Before deciding whether you will use roaming for your New Zealand trip, consider these facts about phone roaming in this country:
Roaming in New Zealand simply means that you use your mobile phone to make calls, send messages, and use data while traveling in this country. Your home carrier makes agreements with providers in New Zealand to give you data when in there. However, you should be careful if you use cellular service with international roaming on your regular plan as this may result in shockingly costly bills.
All of the main carriers in New Zealand (Spark, One, and 2degrees) have roaming agreements with overseas providers.
Generally, yes. The roaming fees charged by your home carrier for connecting to the networks in New Zealand are more expensive than local plans. The table below shows the estimated roaming rates for major networks in New Zealand:
| Network | Calls (per minute) | Texts (per message) | Data (per MB) |
| Spark | $1.50 | $0.50 | $0.10 |
| 2degrees | $1.40 | $0.40 | $0.20 |
| One (former Vodafone New Zealand) | $1.60 | $0.50 | $0.15 |
Please note that the rates above are estimates and may vary depending on specific plan and carrier.
Pro Tip: Contact your selected operator for the latest information on roaming fees.
➤ Our recommendation:
We would recommend getting a prepaid local SIM card for New Zealand. Yo will have a New Zealand mobile number, which is more convenient for navigation apps, making reservations, delivery orders, etc.
Here are the four steps to activate roaming service for New Zealand on your phone:
Step 1: Decide your preferred service provider
You have 2 options. You can either use your home package from your home carrier or go with a local network operator. Remember to check with your home carrier if they have roaming agreements with the major New Zealand networks.
If you choose to use data roaming in New Zealand with your home plan, here is what you can expect:
| Carrier | Roaming fees |
| AT&T | – International Day Pass: $10/ day (unlimited data, calls, texts) – Pay-per-use: $2.05/ MB, $3/ minute, $0.50/ text, $1.30/text with videos and pictures. |
| T-Mobile | $15/ day, $0.5/ text, and $0.25/ minute |
| Rogers | – Rome Like Home plan: $15/ day (data, text, talk) – Pay-per-use: $15/ 10MB, $2/ minute, $0.75/ text |
| Telstra | – Daily package: $5/ day (unlimited text & talk, 500MB)$3/ MB, $3/ minute, $0.75/ text – Pay-per-use: $3 per MB, $3 per minute, $0.75 per message |
| Optus | – For Optus Choice Plus, Optus Plus Family & Optus Plus Promo users: $5 roaming – Add-on (5GB, unlimited standard nationwide text and talk for $5/ day) – Standard roaming rates: $1/ MB |
Step 2. Toggle on the roaming function
Contact your carrier and ensure your mobile plan includes international roaming. A small activation fee may be needed.
Step 3. Purchase a mobile plan with New Zealand roaming
Confirm your plan covers calling, messaging, and data usage in New Zealand. Note any usage limits or extra charges.
Step 4. Activate roaming setting
On Android: Settings > Data roaming > Switch “International Roaming” on
On iOS (iPhones): Settings > Cellular > Data roaming
Important Note:
Roaming fees in New Zealand are rather expensive so you may need these handy tips to avoid roaming charges while exploring this country:
Pro Tip:
eSIM for New Zealand is the best alternative to data roaming if you want to stay connected all the time while in this country. Many travelers to New Zealand choose to use eSIM thanks to its wonderful features:
If you are seeking a reputable New Zealand eSIM provider, GIGAGO must be a top recommendation. So why choose Gigago?
Depending on the operating system of your phone, you can take the suitable steps to switch off data roaming on your device as follows:
With these steps, you may prevent any unwanted fees for roaming on your bill while still accessing reasonable local Internet in New Zealand.
Pro Tip:
As long as your phone is unlocked, yes. New Zealand uses GSM frequencies compatible with most international smartphones.
Yes, data roaming costs much more than local plans. Calls and texts also incur high rates. You may contact the carrier you choose for the most updated prices for data roaming in New Zealand.
Popular choices for Canadians include Spark, Vodafone, and 2degrees. Plans start at around $25-30 NZD for 5-10GB of data.
In conclusion, rates for data roaming in New Zealand are high and bills can grow quickly if you do not monitor your usage closely. A much more budget-friendly option is to purchase a local SIM card from main carriers in New Zealand like Spark, 2degrees, and One. You can also get an eSIM when traveling in New Zealand for a smooth Internet connection and flexibility.
One NZ SIM cards and eSIM provide visitors with an affordable and effective way to check updates from home, share the best moments, and navigate their way around New Zealand while on the go.
Spark SIM cards and eSIM will help you enjoy your trip around New Zealand to the fullest. Let us discuss which option is the best for you and how to purchase and activate affordable prepaid Spark physical SIM and eSIM options.
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